The 2010 Legislative session has adjourned for the year and during the interim while legislators are not in session (May thru December) I will be monitoring the Revenue Estimate Conference Committee's reports to ensure Iowa is in good fiscal standing and be prepared to voice my concerns if the budget is out of line.

Those of you who know me and follow my voting record understand that I am fiscally conservative especially during these uncertain economic times.

As I review multiple reports from various sources I am optimistic that our economy is improving and we are on a rebound.

If you have any friends who are not on the list encourage them to subscribe. Please feel free to contact me at 515 988 2344 if you have questions or concerns.

As always, I’m honored to serve you.



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Iowa a Top State For Doing Business…Again

For the third year in a row, Iowa has cracked the top 10 as one of the “Top States for Doing Business” according to CNBC. Iowa had an overall ranking of sixth, and scored number one in the cost of doing business.

The cost of doing business looked at the tax burden, including individual income and property taxes, business taxes, gas tax and utility costs. State workers’ compensation insurance costs, as well as rental costs for office space were also considered. Read More

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National Model to Boost Student Achievement Under Review in Iowa

Three years after the Legislature raised standards in schools to boost student achievement and ensure kids are prepared for jobs in today’s global economy, the Iowa Department of Education is in the process of reviewing a new national model of education standards to determine how it aligns with Iowa’s standards.

The Common Core State Standards was a voluntary, state-led effort coordinated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). The purpose of this effort was to develop standards that each state could adopt voluntarily to provide a common set of standards across states. Read More

Synthetic Marijuana Banned